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New Jersey Senate approves 23-cent increase in gas tax

New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney watches as the senate passes a transportation trust fund bill Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Trenton, N.J. The agreement between lawmakers and Gov. Chris Christie would raise the state's gas tax from 14.5 cents to 37.5 cents a gallon. The deal establishes a $2 billion-a-year transportation trust fund over eight years and cuts the sales and estate taxes, while also offering veterans and low-income residents tax credits, among other measures. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney watches as the senate passes a transportation trust fund bill Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Trenton, N.J. The agreement between lawmakers and Gov. Chris Christie would raise the state's gas tax from 14.5 cents to 37.5 cents a gallon. The deal establishes a $2 billion-a-year transportation trust fund over eight years and cuts the sales and estate taxes, while also offering veterans and low-income residents tax credits, among other measures. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

By Associated Press October 7, 2016 1 min read

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – The New Jersey Senate has voted to approve a 23-cent-per-gallon hike in the gas tax.

The Democrat-led Senate on Friday voted 24-14 to raise the tax from 14.5 cents a gallon to 37.5 cents a gallon and fund transportation work over eight years. The legislation also cuts the sales and estate taxes, among other measures.

The bill passed despite robust bipartisan opposition.

The legislation goes next to the Democrat-led Assembly for a vote Friday. Republican Gov. Chris Christie helped craft the measure and is expected to sign it.

If enacted, New Jersey’s gas tax would still remain lower than neighboring New York and Pennsylvania.